Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was hired to review Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse in Des Arc, Arkansas. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Update: This post has been updated to reflect calendar changes for 2022 shopping at Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse. The images and personal experiences posted here reflect my 2019 shopping experience and not necessarily any new layout or logistical changes.
A few important points about the 2022 Guess and Company Shopping Event:
- General shopping dates are Wednesday – Sunday, October 22 – December 4 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Tickets are not required this year for these general shopping times
- VIP Nights are October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and tickets are required in advance
- Visit the Guess and Company Facebook Page for more up-to-the-minute information, giveaways, and details about the Paul Guess Live events – a holiday how-to series and live stream shopping event – hosted by Paul Guess (owner) every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. (CST) and selected guest stylists
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If you are planning your first trip to Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse in Des Arc, Arkansas, this post is for you! I am going to share the things a first-timer might be curious to know before taking a trip to Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse. Read on and load up with your girlfriends for a winter wonderland adventure!
Where is Des Arc, Arkansas?
In my entire life in Arkansas, I had never been to Des Arc! Craziness, huh? So where is Des Arc? Des Arc is located about 60 miles east of Little Rock. It took my friend and I a little over an hour to travel from Little Rock to Des Arc.
A small farming community of around 2,000 people, this quaint little town gave me instant reminders of my home town and surrounding towns in south Arkansas. As we drove down West Main Street, there were so many things that seemed familiar to me even though I had never been there before – the cute little plant nursery on the corner, the interesting homes, and the charming little downtown area with happy fall decor adorning the windows and doorways.
What is Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse?
Simply, Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse is celebrated as the largest Christmas warehouse sale in the south. If you’ve been around the Des Arc area in the last 6-7 years, you have likely heard of this sale on all things Christmas. From everything I have gathered, this event started out smaller in its first few years, growing each year. According to information provided by Paul Guess, the owner, the attendance last year was expected at around 30,000.
Paul has been very open in his reasoning for creating this winter wonderland. He grew up with wonderful memories of Christmas and wants to help others do the same. Also, an avid supporter of the Des Arc community, he uses some of the earnings from VIP sales to give back. Last year, he donated several thousand dollars to the business department of Des Arc High School.
While at the event, I overheard people saying they had come from Memphis, Oklahoma, and Texas. It is a happening place!
What are the Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse 2022 dates?
The 2022 shopping dates for public attendance (adorably called Tinsel Times) are Wednesdays – Sundays starting Saturday, October 22 – Sunday, December 4. There are also some VIP events prior to opening day.
What are the Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse 2022 hours?
The Christmas Warehouse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Do I have to purchase a ticket for this event?
Nope. Aside from the VIP events I mentioned, there is no fee to visit and shop at 2022 Christmas Warehouse.
Do I have to have a tax ID to shop?
No. Some shoppers might have a tax ID. This will not apply to most of us who just want to do general shopping.
What should I wear to Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse?
Ah, the old “what should I wear” question! I suggest dressing comfortably and warmly. Most people will be dressed quite casually. When my friend and I visited (pre-pandemic), we had to spend some time outside waiting before we gained entrance into the building. Check the weather and temperature before you head toward Des Arc, but chances are you will need some outer layers.
Once inside the warehouse, you will be on your feet, exploring 60,000 square feet of Christmas goodness! Dress comfortably!
What is the parking situation?
Parking surrounds the warehouse on all sides. You can park in the front, the back, or the two sides. There is also overflow parking across the street.
What do I do when I arrive?
Upon arrival in 2019, we needed to take a ticket from the ticket dispenser located beside the front door. It’s a lot like getting a ticket at the DMV. People got their tickets and waited for their turn. I highly recommend not doing anything (like going to the bathroom) until you got your ticket. It is my understanding the company will still be using the “pull a ticket” system during busy times in 2022.
What are the entrance lines like at Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse?
No doubt, the lines (pre-pandemic) were long. There are LOTS OF people who are just as excited about this place as you are! I believe the total number Paul posted for opening day’s attendance in 2019 was 2,000. Wait times varied depending on the size of the crowd.
In my opinion, the management and employees of Guess and Company do an excellent job of keeping things moving smoothly and as quickly as possible. Even before the pandemic, they only let in so many people at a time. I completely understand why they do this. There are so many awesome (and breakable) things to explore inside. No doubt, they want people to actually be able to see the merchandise and all of the beautiful Christmas displays. If there was overcrowding, you would not really be able to see things as well. Also, the chance of things being knocked over would be much greater.
What can I do while I wait?
In 2019, we enjoyed exploring the food tents, Santa’s workshops, or outside fall decor. Read on for more about this.
Explore the Fall Decor Tent
When I visited, there was an outside tent of Park Hill fall decor to peruse while you wait. For those of you not wanting to skip out on fall decor, you will be pleased with what you find. This cute metal turkey was only around $20 and can also be used as a pumpkin!
Sit Around the Outdoor Heaters, Catch Up with Your Friends, and People Watch
There were chairs and benches set up outside with a couple of space heaters. My friend and I enjoyed watching all of the shoppers exit the building with their finds. It gave a good glimpse of all of the fun we were in for inside. I saw people carrying out narrow blanket ladders, huge rustic lanterns, whimsical door hangers with Santas and reindeer, colorful and glittery garland, etc. Seeing all of their festive finds got me even more excited to get inside! My friend pointed out how accomplished everyone looked as they walked out of the building with their bags!
Visit Mrs. Claus Cafe for Coffee and Food
During the wait, Mrs. Claus Cafe was the happening place! There was a plethora of wooden tables with stools among a scattering of space heaters. We enjoyed coffee and the warmth. There are food counters serving things like chicken salad and macaroons. I had the pleasure of visiting with two of Paul’s employees who were selling their homemade sweets at the left counter.
Dianna Babb and Robin Kirkland told me they made all of the cakes, cookies, pies, and other treats they were selling especially for this event. “All from hand,” according to Robin. The ladies said they had already sold a ton of sweets by the time I spoke with them at 10:30 on opening morning.
The food and coffee prices seemed to match what you would pay at Starbucks or similar coffee shops. It appeared most of the vendors accepted credit and debit cards.
What are the bathrooms like?
There were four mobile bathrooms stationed outside in the parking lot. One was a port-a-potty style bathroom with handicap access. The other three were bathrooms that are housed in a mobile trailer. The lines may get long, but your wait time is an excellent opportunity for going to the bathroom.
Are there any workshops or demonstrations at the 2022 Christmas Warehouse?
There will be various demonstrations inside the warehouse on various days – some brought live courtesy of a new live studio! Check the company’s website or Facebook page for updates on demonstrations and info about live tickets for studio demonstrations.
What kind of Christmas decor will I find at Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse?
When you walk in, it’s like going into a winter wonderland!
You will find all kinds of Christmas decor at Guess and Company! If you are interested in farmhouse style, rustic style, colorful, whimsical…it’s all there! The staff does an excellent job of decorating and styling AH-MAZING Christmas trees and mantles around the facility to inspire your Christmas decor style. In fact, read my second post on 30+ inspirational Christmas displays from Guess and Company!
What if I cannot fit everything in my cart?
A nice employee approached my friend and asked if we needed her to take our items to the holding area. She said she would bring us another cart if we needed to send our things to the holding area. Although we wound up not needing the holding area, it was nice to know that was an option if we needed it!
What are the checkout lines like at Guess and Company?
Listen. The checkout lines can appear crazy long. BUT…those lines moved faster than any other retail checkout lines I have experienced in a while. There were probably 20 checkout counters. As a checker became available, he/she raised a hand in the air to signal to the next person in line to move forward. The line moved really quickly considering the number of people.
How will I get all my things to my car?
Last year, Guess and Company had plenty of staff to help transport purchases to the cars. We had a delightful helper who eagerly arrived to assist us as soon as we paid for our items.
Guess and Company does a great job of employing many local high school and college student elves!
Can I Shop Online?
This year, you can check out the “Month of Black Fridays” for great deals on certain items featured on the Guess and Company website.
What should I do after I leave Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse?
When in Des Arc, do all the Des Arc things!
Visit the White River
The White River appeared tranquil on this nice fall day.
Visit the Lily Pad Boutique
The Lily Pad Boutique is a darling little boutique right there on West Main Street. There was no way to miss it as we drove by. The charming fall decor was calling our name as we approached. Inside, the owner was running a 20% off special in connection to the Christmas Warehouse sale. As if I hadn’t already shopped enough at the warehouse, I found several fun clothing pieces. This store sells clothing for men, women, and children as well as toys and accessories for kids.
Eat at TJ’s Kountry Kitchen
Man, we heard such great things about the pies at TJ’s Kountry Kitchen! We had big plans to eat said pies after we left the Christmas Warehouse. Unfortunately, we were there at the time the place was closed.
Eat at Dondie’s White River Princess
Dondie’s White River Princess came up from multiple people in various different friend groups. Apparently, it is the place to go for a catfish buffet or steak and seafood options from the menu. However, since it opens at 5 p.m. (Thursdays through Saturday) and we were in town earlier in the day we missed out on this Des Arc favorite. From my understanding, Dondie’s is also open on the first Sunday of each month from 11:30 to 2. Mimicking a river boat, this town favorite sits along the White River.
If you eat at Dondie’s catfish buffet, be sure to walk around the banks of the White River. You could kill two birds with one stone here!
Eat at Sno-White Dairy Bar
We stopped in for catfish at Sno-White Dairy Bar before we headed out of town. The catfish had been recommended by a friend. When we asked two employees what they recommended, both mentioned the catfish. It was perfectly seasoned and served with fries, coleslaw, and two hushpuppies. The place was busy in the middle of a Saturday afternoon – probably with some extra newbies like us who were in town for the Christmas Warehouse. There was also a child’s birthday party happening there.
Well, there is what you need to know to plan a fun girls’ trip to Des Arc, Arkansas to enjoy the Christmas Warehouse and the small town vibes! Be sure to check out the Guess and Company Facebook page for more information. Paul does a fantastic job of keeping that page updated and responding to comments and questions!
Also, be sure to check out some of my blogger friends’ posts about Guess and Company: Peppermint Dip Inspired by Guess and Company and 5 Decor Themes at Guess and Company.
And if you love Christmas like I think you do, be sure to check out some of my other Christmas posts:
Christmas Desserts for the Classroom
Decorating with Plants on the Christmas Table
Black and White Christmas Tour
Free McDonald’s Christmas Printable
Dirty Santa Ideas for the Classroom
Tips for Seeing Garvan Gardens Christmas Display
Heather
It is such a great experience – I love that you spelled it out to help people prepare!
The Gifted Gabber
Thank you! I tried! 🙂
Tina
It sounds like a wonderful time. Just wondering aboit prices. Comparable to Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart?
The Gifted Gabber
Tina, I would say the prices are comparable to Hobby Lobby. I wouldn’t say the merchandise is cheap per se, but I do think most of it is at a reasonable deal. And there were things there that I expected to be priced higher than they were. To me, it is more about the experience of kicking off the holiday season in a winter wonderland type atmosphere!
Trina
It’s not hard to find TOO many treasures at the warehouse! Looks like you had a great day!
The Gifted Gabber
Isn’t that the truth!!?
Mona
Thank you for the information, we are taking our first trip there on Friday. Can’t wait!!
The Gifted Gabber
Yay! I think you will have a great time, Mona!